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Having a tonsillectomy

There are several different methods that can be used to remove your tonsils.

Traditional method - Your surgeon will cut your tonsils out using special instruments. Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding, and dissolvable stitches or heat will be used to seal the wound.

Diathermy - Your surgeon will use heat from an electric current to cut out your tonsils. They will then gently suck the tissue out with a special instrument and seal the blood vessels. A similar procedure, called coblation, uses lower temperatures to remove your tonsils.

Lasers or ultrasound waves - Your surgeon will use high-energy waves to cut out your tonsils and will seal the blood vessels to stop any bleeding.

Tonsil removal

How an adenotonsillectomy is carried out

Tonsillectomy process

Tonsil removal is a standard procedure and patients can generally return home on the same day as their treatment takes place.

Adults and children may have their tonsils removed if they have suffered tonsillitis several times in a 12 month period. Patients are put to sleep using general anaesthetic before treatment, and a surgeon removes the tonsils using one of the methods described above. Recovery time can last between one or two weeks.

To help put your mind at rest, all our tonsillectomy patients receive an aftercare package. This includes a follow-up appointment with a consultant, as well as readmission into hospital within 30 days of the initial procedure, should it be medically required.

In the unlikely event of any complications arising from your procedure, the cost of additional treatment required may also be covered subject to the terms and conditions of the package that you choose.